Agilent and the Buddhist Priests

“Spiritual practices tend to improve coping skills and social support, foster feelings of optimism and hope, promote healthy behavior, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and encourage a sense of relaxation,” says the University of Maryland.

Japanese scientists investigated the biological basis for the relationship between spiritual/religious involvement and psychological/physical functions. Their study included ten professional Buddhist priests and 10 non-priests of matching ages. Participants completed questionnaires related to empathy, diet and lifestyle.

There was no significant difference in healthy lifestyle behaviors and daily nutrient intakes between the priests and non-priests. However, the priests showed significantly higher empathy, and the study observed a significant correlation between empathy and the molecular markers identified in the priests.